Roman Rotenberg speaks after beating Traktor in Chelyabinsk

HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- Traktor are a very strong opponent, so we expected a tough game. I would also like to point out the wonderful atmosphere here in Chelyabinsk, it's one of the best in the league. We saw fast ice hockey today, with both teams trying to protect possession and create chances. It was a playoff-like match. This is an important victory for us, we were pumped up for this game but our fatigue resulted in us wasting our opportunities. We'll work on becoming more ruthless in front of goal.

- Congratulations on your 100th KHL victory as head coach! SKA dominated during the first two periods, but then Traktor became more aggressive in the third and your players sat back.

- We needed to take advantage of our scoring chances in the maiden two stanzas. Traktor did of course improve in the third frame, they were playing at home in front of a sold-out arena. They applied pressure on us, but we withstood their advances and played well without the puck. We have to give Chelyabinsk credit for their showing in the third period, they have a team of high quality.

- Do SKA like to play with a special mentality here in Chelyabinsk?

- Chelyabinsk boasts rich ice hockey traditions! It provided Soviet ice hockey with its foundations. Several of our country's best ice hockey players are from this city. When we're in Chelyabinsk, we can feel the ice hockey traditions and energy. We always try to display our best ice hockey when we're playing here! Furthermore, Chelyabinsk is full of really passionate fans, they create a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium. Traktor as a club organise their games excellently.

I would also like to thank our players, coaches, medics and staff members for their assistance in helping me achieve 100 KHL wins, this is down to everyone's efforts. We want to reach new heights together!